Welcome to the Emirates: William Carvalho to Arsenal is as good as done

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West Ham have reopened talks for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho and could beat Arsenal to his signature this summer, according to latest reports.

Carvalho has been linked with Arsenal for several years but appears closer to a move to West Ham. That’s according to the Mirror, who claim that the Hammers are about reopen talks with Sporting ahead of a potential £30m deal.

They say that Sporting are under financial pressure to sell and may end up selling Carvalho for less than what was initially reported. Arsenal do need a central midfielder following the injury to Santi Cazorla and many have identified Carvalho as a potential solution, I think.

The Portuguese is closer to Xhaka in style than Cazorla, offering a solid build and good range of passing at the expense of mobility. He’s been linked with Arsenal since he first broke through at Sporting in 2013.

Back then, there was talk of £40m bids and interest from clubs like Real Madrid. He’s been a regular for Sporting and the Portugal national team since, but has yet to earn a big move. Despite interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, nobody seems willing to take a chance.

That could leave West Ham in prime position, should they be able to pay the money required to sign him.